Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1887-07-14
MR.. G. u. ROUSS
Entertains hts old Friends ia Court
House Yard at Winchester.
From The Winchester Times:

Hi
House Yard at Winchester.
From the Winchester Times:
Independence day was truly gala day
in Winchester. Hundreds of the friends
of Mr.. C. B. R"e,s, from county and city,
were entertained in the Court House yard
under the NAPLES. 1t was truly refresh
ing sight to sec the numerous throng of
guests of mine lost seated at long tables
filed with GO cheer provided by their
liberal-hearted II lend Charles B. Ice cream
of many hayors by the hundred gallons,
cakes and candies in superabundance were
dispensed with liberal hand by the corps
of walters. Everything was in keeping.
Splendid day with bright blue skies and
lust enough breeze from our fair Southland
to make it delightful 1t has never been
our lot to have been present at social
gathering where mere genuine pleasure was
had. Old and young, all enjoyed them
selves, and merriment was the order OF the
hour. Friend Rouss was the centre of at
traction and many were the warm greetings
he received from old friends. Strangers to
him sought an introduction by hundreds,
and were well repaid by holding few min
utes conversation with one Of natures no.
blemen. 1t truly resembled the levee of
some distinguished man high up in the coun-
ellis of the nation. In mercantile circles
Mr.. Rouss stands at the top, and is justly
entitled to the respect and admiration of
our people for his splendid courage which,
by dint of perseverance, has overcome all
obstacles.
At 10 o'clock the Court House Square
and streets adjacent were filled with peo-
pie. After the Friendship COrnet Band,
who occupied the band stand, rendered a
number of popular airs, Mr.. Il. f. Byrd in
troduced Mr.. c. b. Rouss in handsome
speech in which he said: have been asked
by the Friendship Band to make few re-
marks in honor of the advent of a most
welcome and distinguished guest, Mr. c..
B. Rouss. was not old enough to know
the gentleman when he resided here, but
have, since he left us, heard volumes of his
noble and generous nature. This distin-
guished gentleman is now a king among
merchants, a Napoleon in commerce and,
best of all, prince of good fellows. He
has stood by his friends who have stood by
him. I beg to tender him the freedom of
the city Of Winchester in the name of the
band and fire company and the citizens of
Winchester and county of Frederick. Al
low me to introduce you Mr.. Chas. Broad
way Rouss. Great cheering.
Mr.. c. b. Rouss responded in an admira-
BILE speech in which he thanked the i'm
meuse gathering for their hearty welcome;
referred humorously to his youthful days
and his mercantile career when he was with
Mr.. Jacob Senseney, getting $l.OO Il week.
His speech was interspcrsed with several
anecdotes which excited the risibles of the
crowd
Just at this time the Bethel Grange band
arrived on the scene and rendered some eX
cellent music Mr.. William RELY, of the
Times, then announced that the entertain
ment was ready, and soon the long tables
were filed by hundreds of people, young
and old. His colorcd friends were amply
provided for at separate tables. As soon
as the tables were empty they were filled
again with people until the hundreds of
gallons Of cream and cakes by the hundred
pounds were exhausted. Cigars were also
bountifully furnished the great crowd.
A large crowd, estimated at 5000, gath
cred in front of the Court House in the
evening to witness the handsome display Of
fireworks sent from New York by Mr..
Rouss.
The game of marbles by Mr.. Chas. w.
Hensell. one Of our leading Main street
merchants, and the Broadway merchant
prince, Mr.. c. b. Rouss, was one of the
most interesting features of the day. These
gentlemen were old school boys and hun
dreds arranged themselves around the ring
and Charlie r., with his coat of, went at
the business with his usual zeal, and as
usual came out victorious. Charlie was the
lion of the occasion and none were too poor
or humble to approach him and receive the
kind word and hearty greeting, In numer-
Gus instances we observed the true nature
of the nobeman. After shaking the hand
of some poor unfortunate he passed rapidly
on. The party was surprised to find upon
opening the same a reminder of the shape
of an y or Y remaining therein.
We haven't room for more of the Times
report, but have reproduced enough to
show that the It'll in Winchester was a
Rouss-ng timc-Ed f. p
Methodist assembly at Pcn-Mdr.
Arrangements are being rapidly compile
ted for holding the Methodist assembly ut
Pcn-Ma on Wednesday and Thursday, Ju